Tag Archives: hurricane relief

I’ve been working with a few folks over the past week to launch occupysms.org, and we need help getting the word out, specifically to people and organizations on the ground who are canvassing neighborhoods for needs (like pumping, supplies, cleanup, etc). Read more…

WHAT IT IS:

OCCUPYSMS.org is a way for people to request and provide aid via an automated text message system—without having to rely on internet access. We hope that this can be a great resource for community organizations that may be overloaded with volunteers by lessening bottleneck and expediting efforts.

HOW IT WORKS:

People in need (or volunteers on their behalf) text SANDY to 69866 and indicate their location and need —pumping, cleanup, supplies, food, etc. This need is entered into our database.

People providing aid text MUTUAL AID to 69866 and indicate their location and resource. The system will find the address of someone in the area who needs their particular resource. If the volunteer chooses to accept responsibility for this need request, it will be taken out of the SMS database. Contact information between the volunteer and person in need will be shared so they can communicate further.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

In order for this to work, we need people reporting need requests so that the database can be populated for the volunteers providing help. Please spread the word to volunteers you have canvassing neighborhoods, civilians in need who come to your distribution centers for help, and to potential volunteers on social media.